Balarishtam (Balarishta)

Balarishtam (also spelled as Balarishta) is an Ayurvedic medicine categorized under Arishta Category, which is used for all diseases occurring due to Vata aggravation or excess Vata in the body. Vata disorders are mostly related to nervous system and musculoskeletal system. So, the main action of the Balarishtam is observable on the brain, nerves, muscles, ligaments, bones and joints.

Balarishtam is a good therapeutic measure for paralysis, arthritic disorders, and spinal disorders. It helps to manage the cervical spondylosis, frozen shoulder, low backache, knee pain due to osteoarthritis, etc. Additionally, it has restorative action and improves body strength and nourishes the Vata organs. Some ingredients in the Balarishta improve digestion and liver functions.

Balarishtam Ingredients (Composition)

Bala (Sida Cordifolia) is the main ingredients in Balarishtam. A list of its ingredients is as follows:

• Bala – Sida Cordifolia
• Ashwagandha – Withania Somnifera
• Dhataki – Woodfordia Fruticosa
• Ksheera Kakoli
• Eranda (Castor Oil Plant) – Ricinus Communis
• Rasna – Pluchea Lanceolata
• Elaichi (Cardamom) – Elettaria Cardamomum
• Prasarini – Paederia Foetida
• Laung (Clove) – Syzygium Aromaticum
• Ushira or Khas (Vetiver) – Vetiveria Zizanioides
• Gokshura – Tribulus Terrestris
• Jaggery
• Water – for preparing decoction

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS

As per ingredient analysis, Balarishtam has anti-inflammatory, rejuvenating, and strengthening medicine, which also improves the functions of the nervous system and soothes the inflamed tissues. Bala (Sida Cordifolia) in the Balarishta is likely to contain ephedrine, which acts as an amphetamine-like stimulant.

Medicinal Properties

• Anti-inflammatory
• Rasayana (rejuvenating)
• Anodyne
• Nervine tonic
• Neuroprotective
• Cardioprotective
• Strengthening and Restorative for nerves
• Mild Diuretic
• Anti-paralytic
• Appetizer and digestive stimulant
• Anti-stress
• Adaptogenic

Balarishtam Indications

Balarishta can be used in all disorders categorized in Ayurveda as Vata disorders. These include diseases of nervous system and musculoskeletal system. Most commonly, it is recommended in following health conditions:

1. Loss of appetite in diseases related to Vata
2. Debility due to Vata disorders
3. General weakness
4. Mental debility
5. Paralysis
6. Hemiplegia
7. Paraplegia
8. Facial Paralysis
9. Sciatic nerve pain
10. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Balarishta can also be helpful in following cases:-

• Headache
• Nasal Congestion
• Bronchitis
• Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
• Asthma

Balarishtam Benefits & Uses

Balarishta is useful to reduce Vata aggravation and its symptoms. In Vata disorders, it is used to treat following symptoms:

1. Splitting pain
2. Pricking pain
3. Fatigue
4. Weakness
5. Colicky pain
6. Tremors
7. Weakness of any limb or organ due to paralytic attack
8. Muscular pain
9. Joint pain

Balarishta has protective effects on the nerves, muscles, ligaments, bones and joints. It is useful in diseases of these tissues. It restores the lost strength in paralysis and other similar cases.

Arthritis

Sida Cordifolia in Balarishta has good anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. (1) So, Balarishta can be used in arthritic disorders to reduce inflammation and associated pain. Balarishta also contains other ingredients like Ashwagandha and Gokshura, which provide strength to the joints and ligaments. Eranda and Prasarini act to reduce the pain. It is good medicine for osteoarthritis.

Facial Paralysis

Balarishta restores the natural functions of the nerves and provides nourishment to the neurons. In facial paralysis, it reduces associated symptoms like facial pain, headache, earache, and muscle twitching. In addition to it, it improves muscle tone and speeds up the recovery from the facial paralysis.

Muscle Cramps

Balarishta acts on neurons and reduces the excitability of nerves and restores the natural functions of nerve cells. Increased excitability may also be cause of muscle cramps. Secondly, it also has muscle relaxant action, which helps to reduce the muscle cramps.

Physical Weakness

Balarishta generally recommended for debility or physical weakness occurred after paralysis attack. It increases strength, improves appetite, and helps to restore the activities in weak tissue.

Asthma & Bronchitis

Balarishta is also indicated for the treatment of asthma & bronchitis. It helps when patient feel fatigue and difficulty in breathing due to lost physical strength. Along with other medicines, it reduces frequent attacks of breathing troubles and cough. It is highly useful in persistent cough.

Dosage & Administration

Safety Profile

Balarishtam is considerably safe and generally well-tolerated in most individuals when taken in the recommended dosage and under medical supervision.

Balarishta Side Effects

There is no side effect observed with the recommended dosage of Balarishtam, but some people already suffering from some gastric troubles may experience stomach irritation or burning sensation.

Precautions

Balarishtam should not be taken on an empty stomach.

Manufacturers

1. Baidyanath
2. Dabur
3. Zandu
4. Arya Vaidya Sala Kottakkal
5. AVP, Coimbatore
6. Nagarjuna Ayurveda

Questions & Answers about Balarishta

Is Balarishta effective for Spinal Tuberculosis and back pain due to it?

Sida Cordifolia (Bala) is the main ingredient of Balarishta, which promotes healing and increases the strength of the tissues in the chronic diseases and infections. However, it may not be effective to fight off bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), but it can support other medicines for promoting healing of the tissues and bones involved in spinal Tuberculosis and reduce back pain occurring in such patients.